On the road to health? Road traffic accidents in Pacific societies: The case of Niue Island, western Polynesia

American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council
Judith C Barker

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) in Pacific societies in general are examined and a case study presented. There is a paucity of data on Pacific RTAs. Available data are generally poor in quality and specificity, with few adequate measures of risk. Despite this, it is clear that motor vehicle accidents are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity throughout the Pacific. Most Pacific societies are in a state of low motorization and are experiencing high vehicle fatality rates but low population fatality rates. When motorization reaches a higher level, however, RTA deaths and injuries begin to have an impact on population structure and on societal as well as family economies. Using archival and ethnographic evidence, examination is made of the sociocultural context of motor vehicle use, roaduser behavior, and RTA occurrence on Niue Island, a nation with a high degree of motorization. Motorcycles are the preferred mode of transport on Niue. Cultural values and behaviors that affect motor vehicle accident rates include exaggerated risk-taking, especially by young adult males. Alcohol plays a significant role in driving and other risky behaviors. Such behavior appears not just on Niue but in other Pacific nations also. It is...Continue Reading

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Dec 1, 1993·Plant Molecular Biology·P C Sijmons
Jan 1, 1997·Journal of Advanced Nursing·E IdvallE Hamrin
Jan 1, 1995·Acta Oncologica·R F Robison
May 26, 1998·Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·C RussellM Basser
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Nov 12, 2013·Ergonomics·Martina Kotzé, Leon Steyn
Apr 2, 1998·Social Science & Medicine·N D Lewis

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